Shoe-form.



L. W. RBINHARDT. v

SHOE FORM.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 15, 1912.

Patented Aug. 26, 1913.

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UNITED STATESPTENT UFFTGE.

LOUIS W. REINHARDT, OF BROGKTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

SHOE-FORM.

To all whom it mag] concern:

Be it known that I, Louis REINHARDT, a citizen. of the United States, residing at Broc-kton, county of Plymouth, State of lvlassachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Shoe-Forms, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawing, is a specification, like characters on the drawing representing like parts.

This invention relates to a shoe form for supporting the shoe upper in desired shape principally for display purposes.

The object of the invention is to provide an article of this character of hollow, shelllike construction which shall be strong and durable, capable of withstanding the usage to which such forms are subjected, and which shall be structurally capable of presenting the required shape or lines to produce the desired pleasing appearance of the shoe to which it is fitted.

The drawings illustrate the preferred form of the invention adapted for use in a style of Oxford shoe.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a side eleva tion partially in vertical cross section of a shoe form embodying the invention. Fig. 2 is a bottom plan View. Fig. 3 is a trans verse cross section taken on the line ww of Fig. 1.

The body portion of the form is constituted as a thin hollow shell of suitable ma terial adapted to conform to the required shape. be used, such for example as fiber or paper board. The form may be shaped up in the usual manner as by molding the material into the required shape over a last.

The body portion of the form is preferably one piece open at the top or ankle portion, open at the bottom or sole portion, provided with an inturned flange around the sole periphery and having a vertical joint at the rear of the heel portion. This body portion is represented at 1, the flange about the sole periphery at 2, and the joint at the heel portion at 3. This flange 2 gives strength and substance to the form enabling it to resist forces tending to destroy its shape. In addition a brace l is preferably employed connecting the flange at opposite points. The presence of the flange 2 makes it necessary that the last on which the form is made up must be withdrawn at the heel, and this in turn requires the presence of the joint 3.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 15, 1912.

Various well known materials may Patented Aug. 26,1913.

Serial No. 709,349.

It is impossible to form the cover or top plate of the last by bending over the body portion or using an integral part of the body portion therefor. The reason for this is that any such process destroys the peculiar lines of the form, especially the concave shape of the sides below the instep and ankle. In this invention a separate top plate 5 is therefore provided which is secured to the body portion at the top opening by a butt joint, and thus presents a sharply defined edge and holds the body portion in the desired shape. This plate is, however, liable to break loose in the handling of the form, and the strains to which it is subjected in placing it in and removing it from the shoe.

This invention provides reinforcing means for the top plate and for the heel joint to prevent weakening of the form and destruction thereof at these points. This reinforcing element may vary according to the re quired conditions, but is herein shown as comprising a plate (3 resting against and secured to the bottom of the top plate and preferably abutting against the sides of the form. This plate 6 is covered with adhesive such as glue so that itand the top plate are securely cemented to the body portion of the form. Preferably also the plate 6 is formed with depending ears 7 which are likewise glued to the sides of the form, thus securing a more complete and perfect hold. Preferably also a reinforcement for the heel joint is provided, either separately or as an integral part of the plate 6. This is herein shown at S as a tongue covering the heel joint 3 inside the form, and it likewise is thoroughly cemented or glued in place. l Vhether or not the reinforcing plate 6 butts against the side walls of the form, the glue or adhesive used will insure all the parts being united and presenting a rigid structure.

The form when finished may be covered, as is usual, if desired with silk or cloth of any kind or with coating of celluloid or other material, all as is well known and which it is not necessary to illustrate or describe in detail.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A shoe form comprising a body portion constituted as a thin hollow shell of suitable material conforming to the required shape, a

separate top plate secured to the body portion at the top by a butt joint to present a sharply defined line of juncture and maintain the body portion in the required shape, and means located in the interior of the form for reinforcing the connection between the top plate and the said body portion.

2. A shoe form comprising a body portion constituted as a thin hollow shell of suitable material conforming to the required shape, a separate top plate secured to the body portion at the top by a butt joint to present a sharply defined line of juncture and maintain the body portion in the required shape a reinforcing plate beneath the top plate and 5 secured thereto and provided With depending portions resting against and secured tov the inner sides of the body portion.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of 20 two subscribing Witnesses.

LOUIS W. REINHARDT.

\Vitnesses:

GEORGE E. BELOHER, S. A. UPHAM.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). C. 

